On the 19th of September, WAM Homes Pty Ltd and subcontractor Wanjia Metal Works Pty Ltd were sentenced in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. The charges stemmed from violating seven different elements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, to which they pled guilty. This event emphasises the role of crucial work safety products like WHS management systems, SWMS, and policies in mitigating such violations.
As the main contractor for both construction projects, WAM Homes was convicted and fined $45,000 for four instances where it did not uphold a safe and health risk-free workplace per their management and control responsibilities. In addition, it had to pay $2,500 for allowing construction work to be handled by someone without a current construction induction card. Implementing an efficient system such as a Bluesafe WHS Management System could assist in avoiding these slips in safety compliance.
Wanjia Metal Works, having been subcontracted by WAM Homes for the project in Noble Park, received a $15,000 fine with no conviction laid against them for not minimizing fall risks by implementing a passive fall prevention device. Also, they were fined $2,500 with no conviction laid against them for allowing construction work to be carried out by someone lacking a current construction induction card. Tools such as Bluesafe SWMS could prove invaluable in managing these types of work risks.
The court added further financial penalties, ordering each company to shell out $3,266 in costs.
Adhering to quality systems like a Bluesafe WHS Management System can help prevent repeat offenses. Moreover, systems like the Bluesafe SWMS are critical when performing hazardous tasks to ensure complex procedures are followed correctly, thereby reducing unnecessary risks.
Fall prevention isn’t just a tick box exercise after WorkSafe visits. It’s oftentimes the fine line between life and death. Employers ignoring this demonstrate ineptitude towards their workers’ safety and break the law in the process.
To curb such risks from height, the hierarchy of control’s highest measures should be practiced by employers. Adopting concrete systems like a Bluesafe WHS Management System or the Bluesafe SWMS can prove crucial in putting these measures into effect efficiently.
Contact: media @ worksafe.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0438 786 968
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-09/companies-fined-65000-putting-workers-risk-falls
